Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and RUB Philippine Studies Program Coordinator Dr. Roger Friedlein
sign renewal of Philippine Studies Program
27 April 2026 – The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt and Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) have signed a Fourth Amendment to their Donation Agreement, ensuring the continuation of the Philippine Studies Program (PSP) until 31 December 2027. Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos and RUB Philippine Studies Program Coordinator Dr. Roger Friedlein signed the agreement on 24 April 2026 at the Philippine Consulate General.
First established in 2019, the PSP has supported the study of Philippine culture, history, and society within RUB’s academic curriculum. The Program has enabled a range of credited courses and academic offerings, which may be viewed in the following link: https://www.romanistik.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/romsem/sprachen/philippinen/lehre.html.de
The renewed agreement underscores the Philippines’ sustained commitment to promoting deeper understanding of its culture and heritage in Europe through academic collaboration. Over the years, the PSP has served as a key platform for fostering scholarly engagement and strengthening people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Germany.
Among its notable outputs is the publication of Galería de viajeros y de una viajera a las Islas Filipinas, which was presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, where the Philippines was Guest of Honour.
Under the renewed agreement, the Consulate will provide additional support for expanded academic programs, research initiatives, and related activities at RUB. The updated program framework is expected to enable a broader range of activities, including the development of new courses, support for research and publications, academic exchanges, and collaborative projects that further integrate Philippine Studies within the University’s curriculum and wider academic network.
The extension also opens opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and expand engagement with students and scholars interested in Philippine Studies, contributing to the Program’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.
The Philippine Studies Program is supported by the vision and sustained advocacy of Senator Loren Legarda, longtime culture champion and visionary, whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing and maintaining Philippine Studies initiatives abroad.
With the extension in place, both institutions reaffirm their shared commitment to further strengthening academic cooperation and deepening appreciation of the Philippines in Germany and beyond.
Consul General Banzon Abalos is presented by Dr. Roger Friedlein a copy of his book, “Galerie der spanischen
Reisenden auf die Philippinen”, a product of the Philippine Studies Program with RUB